-LRB- CNN -RRB- -- Chilean President Sebastian Pinera stoked an abortion debate in his country over remarks he made about an 11-year-old girl who became pregnant after being raped by her mother 's partner .

Abortion is illegal without exception in the South American country .

The girl , known only as `` Belen , '' said in an interview that she would have the baby .

Pinera , a supporter of the abortion ban , said Belen 's decision shows `` depth and maturity '' and asked the country 's health minister to personally watch over her health .

Political opponents seized on the president 's comments , creating a national debate on the issue .

Former President Michelle Bachelet , who is running for the presidency once again , told Radio ADN that abortion should be an option in the case of rape .

Belen is `` a girl with her entire life ahead of her and she requires protection , '' Bachelet said . `` That being said , the option of abortion , in this case , for rape , seems to be the right solution . ''

Pinera said that in the interest of the girl 's health , doctors will consider whether it makes sense to induce a premature birth if it protects Belen .

He added , `` the life of the mother always comes first , and we are going to protect Belen 's life with everything medicine has to offer and with the care of the public health system . ''

But some say that an 11-year-old girl is not mature enough to take care of a child .

`` More than brave , she is a victim and we have to treat her like a victim and we have the protect her , '' Chilean Sen. Fulvio Rossi said . `` The nation has to protect her and it has to give answers to Belen and to many other women who suffer on a daily basis from the neglect of their most basic rights . ''

Another senator , Juan Antonio Coloma , defended the current laws , saying that abortion should be prohibited no matter what .

`` What is relevant is to help this girl who has been victim to a rape , but that , from my perspective , ca n't ever justify what is worse , which is to abort that child inside her , '' he said .

While the debate unfolds in the media , a psychologist said that Belen 's family should look for support away from the public eye . Having a child at such a young age is a lot to deal with , and her understanding the choice she made will be facilitated by denying interviews and staying out of the spotlight , Ana Maria Aron said .

CNN Chile 's Camilo Silva contributed to this report

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`` Belen '' is an 11-year-old rape victim who became pregnant

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She says she will have the baby ; abortion is illegal in Chile

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The president called her `` mature '' for her decision

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His comments set off a debate over the abortion ban